Filignil

A pork loin cold and pale did lie

In a pan, trussed and string uptied

What would be its uncertain fate?

But a hero soon swung open the gate -

With a spoon, like a sword, in his hand

The baster-as-weapon would save all the land!

He ground, and chopped, and then mixed up

Salt, pepper, and onion (about half a cup)

Fennel, honey, and mustard so bright

Wine, ginger, and clove, a glorious sight!

He whisked and scraped with flourish and glee

This tasteful sauce, so wonderful-ly

The elves passed by a tall oak tree where a few salvaged household goods lay scattered in the grass. Parnard half-expected to see Filignil sitting among them, perhaps counting the silverware, but she was nowhere to be seen. At last they came in sight of the great old house, its front door broken and crazily hanging from one hinge, doormat still in place, a sardonic welcome to the travel-weary elves. “There it is,” he found himself saying.

Midsummer was quickly approaching, and to Parnard’s surprise, Danel and Estarfin expected a huge feast, complete with dancing on the grass, despite the attack on Númenstaya and the killing of Aearlinn. He wondered secretly at this, but made no remark or protest, reminding himself that since it is a high feast day, a day set apart as one of the most hallowed days of the Elven calendar, the Noldor would not permit anything to disrupt their celebration, least of all a group of murdering, bloodthirsty, pillaging men.

Folk were talking, whispering almost confidentially as I passed them at the stables.

“That is Filignil. She was at Numenstaya,” 

“That is their Housekeeper. Why is she in Imladris?”

And that is why I became a cook. It gave me the chance to never be far from Carnifinde, yet to be someone who could pass her by unnoticed. It was vastly different from the life of the Huntress I had been, but I came to find I enjoyed the preparations, the choice for meals, the learning of which herbs and spices brought out the best in any meal. I enjoyed seeing people happy. Mirima was the chief cook at that time. She was one who sailed over in the ships, one from Aman.

(The reading order is after The Autumn Feast. Part 2. By Filignil. )

I spoke with Filignil about sparring with me from time to time. I needed to train more regularly. Of course it was Estarfin I needed to train with, that I could learn better to fight at his side, but he was strangely reticent. So it was to the experienced Filignil I turned. 

So it seems I am Mistress of Numenstaya.

Not through any doing or grace of my own did this come about. I was simply in the right place at the right time.